Elder Abuse Awareness Month
June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month, a global campaign aimed at promoting safety for older adults and working to protect them from neglect and mistreatment. Financial exploitation is a growing form of elder abuse, with older adults not accustomed to digital banking more vulnerable than ever to malicious scams and illegitimate requests for personal information.
Fraud attempts can happen everywhere at all times. Anyone can be targeted, and it can be easy to miss the warning signs. If you or a loved one might be experiencing suspicious activity, send an email to [email protected].
Signs of a Scam: Here’s What to Look Out For
- Being sent a check via email, a check already signed, or a check already printed for a mobile deposit.
- Representatives asking for Digital Banking information.
- Scammers asking for an alternative payment method — third-party methods such as email checks, Crypto, Venmo, Cash App, to name a few.
- Receiving an email or message that is “unprofessional.” Keep an eye out for misspellings, grammatical mistakes, or view an unofficial website address.
Cinfed's Fraud Prevention Fundamentals
- Cinfed will never contact you to ask for personal information such as an account number, PIN, or social security number, so do not share it unless YOU initiate the communication.
- Do not click on links in unexpected messages (texts, emails, and social media messages) that ask for personal information or account confirmation, especially if they try to create a false sense of urgency.
- Beware of social media “friends” whom you have never met and have no other connection to you — yet ask for money or personal information. Do not be lured by “easy money” schemes that involve sending or receiving money or packages. If it seems too good to be true, it is!
- Set up alerts for your accounts so you will be notified of any transactions. By knowing immediately about potentially fraudulent charges, you can take preventive steps if necessary. Also, during your next in-branch visit, add a Security Keyword to your account for another layer of protection. Your keyword could be a combination of numbers and/or words that only you would know.
- Use Cinfed’s resources to check on the status of your account: the Cinfed Mobile App or online with Cinfed Digital Banking. If you have any questions about a message you received from Cinfed, call our Contact Center at 513-333-3800, or your nearest branch location. If you question it, always check with us first.
Fraud & Scam Articles
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Is That QR Code Actually a Scam?
QR codes offer quick and easy access to information, but scammers are increasingly using them to direct people to fraudulent websites. These fake sites can look legitimate while attempting to capture personal details, login credentials, or financial information.
Stay alert and review the Fraud Prevention Fundamentals to help safeguard your personal and financial data.
Here's an article from CNBC about this threat.
Tax Season, Tax Refund Scams Back on the Rise
As we prepare for tax refunds to come our way, scammers are eagerly waiting to capitalize on your gains. From fake IRS notices to threatening phone calls, they’re attempting to steal your tax refund — and your identity. Keep your money in your pocket.
Follow the tax scam warning signs from the IRS here.
Don’t Be Fooled! Be Alert For Fraud
Every day is April Fool’s Day for scammers and fraudsters! These criminals continuously try to obtain your personal information by any means necessary: phone calls, emails, texts, and social media. Use Cinfed’s resources to check on the status of your account. Resources like the Cinfed Mobile App or Cinfed Digital Banking can help keep you up to date on changes to your accounts.
Protect What's Yours: Fraud Prevention Tips
You don't have to be a technology pro to understand what it takes to keep your personal information and accounts secure. Read our latest blog post to learn how you can prepare to combat potential scams, phishing attempts or fraud you could encounter.
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